Tournament gaming machine and methods

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods, gaming machines, and gaming systems capable of simultaneously presenting two independent games for play. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a cabinet for housing a display that simultaneously presents a first game that is independent from a second game. The first and second games are primary games, and a trigger event in either the first game or the second game initiates play of a tournament game. The gaming machine also includes a first set of player input devices for the first game and a second set of player input devices for the second game. The gaming machine also includes a player input device that allows a player to play both the first and second game simultaneously.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/027,097 concurrently filed on Feb. 6, 2008, entitled TOURNAMENTGAMING MACHINE.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Games of chance and gaming machines have been developed that havevarious features designed to capture and maintain player interest.Traditionally, games garner player interest by providing the player withthe opportunity to win cash awards based upon a player's wager. Forexample, games may include one or more bonus games or the opportunity towin progressive jackpots in order to maintain player interest.

Additionally, over the years, games have grown in both sophisticationand in the types of gaming features used to maintain a player'sinterest. For example, the mechanical reels of traditional gamingmachines have been replaced with video depictions of spinning reels.These video gaming machines may provide a richer gaming experience forplayers by including graphics or animation as part of the game. However,there is a continuing need for games that provide player excitement anddiversity of game play without creating overly complex games thatunacceptably diminish player comfort.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to agaming machine capable of simultaneously presenting two independentgames for play. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includesa cabinet for housing a main display that simultaneously presents afirst primary game that is independent from a second primary game. Atrigger event occurring during play of either the first game or thesecond game initiates play of a tournament game on the main display. Thetournament game has a head-to-head tournament mode and a single playertournament mode. The gaming machine also includes a first set of playerinput devices for the first game and a second set of player inputdevices for the second game so multiple players can simultaneously playon the gaming machine. The gaming machine also includes a player inputdevice that allows a single player to play both the first and secondgames simultaneously.

In another embodiment, the gaming machine includes a first primary gamethat is independent from a second primary game. The first and secondgames are presented side-by side on the gaming machine, and a triggerevent occurring in the first or second game initiates play of atournament game having a head-to-head tournament mode and a singleplayer tournament mode. The gaming machine also includes a first set ofplayer input devices for the first game and a second set of player inputdevices for the second game so multiple players can simultaneously playon the gaming machine. The gaming machine may include a player inputdevice that allows a single player to play both the first and secondgames simultaneously.

In yet another embodiment, the gaming machine includes a widescreendisplay for simultaneously presenting a first primary game that isindependent from a second primary game. A trigger event in either thefirst game or the second game initiates play of a tournament game. Thefirst and second games are reconfigured to be played in a head-to-headtournament mode or a single player tournament mode. The gaming machineincludes a first set of player input devices for the first game and asecond set of player input devices for the second game so multipleplayers can simultaneously play on the gaming machine. The gamingmachine also includes a player input device that allows a single playerto play both the first and second games simultaneously. The gamingmachine also includes two player card slots that are in communicationwith a player tracking system. The gaming machine includes one or morecashless gaming slots positioned within the cabinet of the gamingmachine.

In addition to gaming machines, various embodiments of a gaming systemare disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming systemincludes a plurality of networked gaming machines that are capable ofsimultaneously presenting a first game that is independent from a secondgame. A trigger event in either the first game or the second gametriggers play of a tournament game mode. In the tournament game mode,the first and second games are reconfigured to be played in ahead-to-head tournament or a single player tournament. The gaming systemalso includes a network server in communication with the plurality ofnetworked gaming machines.

In another embodiment, the gaming system includes a plurality ofnetworked gaming machines that are capable of simultaneously presentinga first game that is independent from a second game. A trigger event ineither the first game or the second game initiates play of a tournamenton all active networked gaming machines. The gaming system also includesa network server that manages the tournament or bonus game and iscommunication with the plurality of networked gaming machines. Thegaming system also includes a player tracking system in communicationwith the network server. The player tracking system includes a databaseof player accounts.

In addition to gaming machine and gaming systems, various methods forpresenting a game are disclosed herein. According to one method, playercredits are received on a gaming machine. The gaming machinesimultaneously presents a first game that is independent from a secondgame on a main display of the gaming machine. The first and second gamesare playable simultaneously by one or two players. After a player placesa wager, the gaming machine initiates a player-selected game. The gamingmachine then determines whether a triggering event has been established.If a triggering event has been established, a tournament game isinitiated on either or both the first game and the second game. Thetournament game has a head-to-head tournament mode for two players and asingle player tournament mode for a single player. The gaming machineawards a prize to a winner of the tournament game.

According to another method, player credits are received on a gamingmachine. The gaming machine presents a first game that is independentfrom a second game on a main display of the gaming machine. The firstand second games are simultaneously initiated in response to a maximumwager. The gaming machine then determines whether a triggering event hasbeen established in the first or second games. If a triggering event hasbeen established, a tournament or bonus game is initiated on both thefirst and second games. The gaming machine awards a prize to a winner ofthe tournament game.

According to yet another method, a gaming machine receives playercredits. The gaming machine presents a first game that is independentfrom a second game on a main display of the gaming machine. The firstand second games are initiated in response to player input from a firstplayer and a second player, respectively. The gaming machine thendetermines whether a triggering event has been established in either thefirst game or the second game. If a triggering event has beenestablished, a tournament or bonus game is initiated on either or boththe first game and the second game. The gaming machine awards a prize toa winner of the tournament game.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of thevarious embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a gaming machinecapable of simultaneously presenting two independent games for play.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a gaming machinecapable of simultaneously presenting two independent games for play.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a gamingmachine capable of simultaneously presenting two independent games forplay.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a gaming machinecapable of simultaneously presenting two independent games for play.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one other embodiment of a gaming machinecapable of simultaneously presenting two independent games for play.

FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views of one embodiment of a gaming machinehaving movable player interfaces.

FIGS. 7A-7F are screenshots of one embodiment of a gaming machinecapable of simultaneously presenting two independent games for play.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of one embodiment of a gaming system having aplurality of gaming machines capable of simultaneously presenting twoindependent games for play.

FIG. 9 is flow diagram of one method for simultaneously presenting twoindependent games on a gaming machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a gaming machinecapable of simultaneously presenting two independent games for play. Thegaming machine allows a single player to play one or both games(sequentially or simultaneously) or two players to play each game(sequentially or simultaneously). In one embodiment, a bonus game isinitiated in response to a trigger event occurring in either one or bothof the games. According to one embodiment, the bonus game may be atournament game wherein each player competes against the other playerfor a prize.

The gaming machine disclosed herein effectively increases the size ofthe gaming establishment. Specifically, the gaming machine allowing twogames to be simultaneous played in a given space on the gaming floorwhereas a traditional gaming machine only allows for play of a singlegame in the same space. As a result, the disclosed gaming machine maypotentially increase the revenue of a gaming establishment as more gamesmay be played in a given area of the gaming establishment.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denotelike or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, moreparticularly to FIGS. 1-5, there are shown various embodiments of agaming machine presenting two independent and distinct games. Morespecifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes agaming cabinet 12 that houses a widescreen display 14. As shown in FIG.1, the widescreen display 14 presents two independent and distinctfive-reel slot games 16, 18. The slot games 16, 18 are from the samegenre (i.e., slots games), but the games have different themes as thefirst game is a “Black and White 7s” game and the second game is a“Blazing 7s” game. In one embodiment, the games 16, 18 have identicalgame characteristics such as, but not limited to, wager denomination,maximum number of playable lines, bonus features, and payout structurefor winning outcomes. Alternatively, the two games 16, 18 may have oneor more different game characteristics. For example, a first game is aquarter denomination game having nine paylines and a second game is adollar game having five paylines.

In another embodiment, the two games (not shown) presented on thedisplay 14 are different genre of games. For example, the first game maybe a slots game and the second game is a poker game. As those skilled inthe art will appreciate, the two game presented to the player may be anycombination of the following games: video slots, mechanical slots, videokeno, video poker, video blackjack, video roulette, Class II bingo,games of skill, or games of chance involving some player skill. For thesake of brevity and clarity, the following disclosure and examples ofthe games are both slots-type games, but those skilled in the art willappreciate that any of the above-referenced games may be presented inthe gaming machine 10.

In the disclosed embodiments, a bonus game is initiated in response to atrigger event (e.g., a special indicia appearing on a payline). Thebonus game may be a tournament game, second-chance game (i.e., replay ofthe primary game or portion of the primary game to improve a gameoutcome), or a secondary game (i.e., another game of chance). Forexample, the secondary game is a wheel game similar to MONTE CARLOmanufactured by Bally Gaming, Inc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming cabinet 12 houses a single widescreendisplay 14 that presents two independent games side-by-side. In oneembodiment, the gaming cabinet 12 is a cinema-style gaming cabinet (notshown) having a widescreen display 14, as disclosed in U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/225,827, entitled “Ergonomic Gaming Cabinet,” filed on Sep.12, 2005, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Alternatively, the widescreen display 14 is positioned within the gamecabinet 12 in a portrait orientation (not shown) and the games areplayed top-to-bottom. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the gamingcabinet 12 houses two displays 40, 42 that each present a separate anddistinct game. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the gaming cabinet 12houses a plurality of mechanical reels 42 and video display 40 adjacentto the reels. The plurality of mechanical reels 42 from a first game andthe video display presents a second game that is independent from thefirst game. FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a gaming machinehaving two separate and independent mechanical reels games 44, 46. FIG.5 illustrates yet another embodiment of two separate gaming cabinetseach presenting an independent and distinct game that are linkedtogether.

In various embodiments having one or more display screens, thewidescreen display 14 of FIG. 1 and the displays 40, 42 of FIG. 2 areflat panel displays including by way of example only, and not by way oflimitation, liquid crystal, plasma, electroluminescent, vacuumfluorescent, field emission, LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon), and SXRD(Silicon Xtal Reflective display), or any other type of panel displayknown or developed in the art. These flat panel displays may use paneltechnologies to provide digital quality images including by way ofexample only, and not by way of limitation, EDTV, HDTV, or DLP (DigitalLight Processing). In other embodiments, the displays 14, 40, and 42 arecathode ray tube monitors or projection monitors.

Optionally, the displays 14, 40, and 42 include a touch screen system(not shown) on the displays as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Each game 16, 18includes a dedicated set of buttons 20, 42 having functions such as, butnot limited to, a collect button, select lines button, bet per linebutton, max bet button, and a spin button. A max bet button 24 is alsoplaced between the player interfaces in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.The max bet button 24 allows the player to place a maximum wager,thereby allowing the player to play both games simultaneously.

The gaming machine of FIG. 1 also includes a player interface having afirst set and a second set of buttons 26, 28 for each game presented onthe display 14. The buttons 26, 28 function as input mechanisms and mayinclude mechanical buttons, electromechanical buttons, touch screenbuttons. While FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine having both a touchscreen buttons and mechanical buttons, other contemplated embodimentshave only mechanical buttons or touch screen buttons. According to oneembodiment, the buttons 26, 28 are backlit to indicate whether thebutton is active. In another embodiment, one input mechanism is auniversal button module that provides a dynamic button system adaptablefor use with various games, as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No.11/106,212, entitled “Universal Button Module”, filed Apr. 14, 2005 andU.S. application Ser. No. 11/223,364, entitled “Universal ButtonModule”, filed Sep. 9, 2005, which are both hereby incorporated hereinby reference. Additionally, other input devices, such as but not limitedto, touch pad, track ball, mouse, switches, toggle switches, areincluded with the gaming machine to also accept player input.Optionally, one or more handles 30 may be “pulled” by a player toinitiate a slots-based game.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrates an embodiment of a gaming machine having movableplayer interfaces 27, 29. A first set of buttons 26 are mounted on afirst player interface 27, and the second set of buttons 28 are mountedon a second player interface 29. The player interfaces 27, 29 aremovable platforms each having a set of buttons for play of the game,inputting player tracking information, configuring the gaming machine(e.g., swapping displays, adjusting font size on screen, or moving theplayer interface). As shown in FIG. 6A, the player interfaces 27, 29 arepositioned in a default position whereby the outer edges of the playerinterfaces are flush with or set in from the sides of the gaming cabinet12. FIG. 6B, illustrates the player interfaces 27, 29 in an expandedposition so that the first and set of buttons 26, 28 are spaced furtherapart from one another (i.e., the player interfaces have moved away fromthe centerline of the gaming machine). The ability to separately movethe player interfaces 27, 29 in opposite directions improves theergonomics of the gaming machine. Additionally, because the playerinterfaces 27, 29 are movable, smaller gaming cabinet may be usedthereby minimizing the footprint of the gaming machine while maintainingthe ability to present two independent game simultaneously to twoplayers.

According to one embodiment, one or more tracks (not shown) are providedto allow the movement of the player interfaces 27, 29. The playerinterfaces are moveably mounted to a track. Accordingly, the playerinterfaces 27, 29 are able to move along the track to an extendedposition in response to player input via a button. That is, the playershave the ability to adjust the position of player interfaces 27, 29. Theplayer interfaces 27, 29 will return to the default position (i.e.,position closest to the centreline of the gaming machine) after thegaming session has ended or in response to player input.

A motor (not shown) or other drive mechanism known or developed in theart is used in conjunction with a force transmission means to move theplayer interfaces 27, 29. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the forcetransmission means includes a track or other guiding member that may beused to move the player interfaces in opposite directions along ahorizontal direction. In one embodiment, a rack and pinion system iscoupled to the motor to move the player interfaces. In otherembodiments, the drive mechanism is coupled to a belt and pulley system,helical gears, bevel gears, work gears, four-bar linkage system, six-barchain, extendable struts, or other mechanisms know or developed in theart.

In yet another embodiment, the gaming machine 10 includes one or morebuttons 26, 28 that allows a player to swap the games 16, 18 presentedon the display 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the “Black & White 7s” game 16 isshown on the left side of the display 14, and the “Blazing 7s” game 18is shown on the right side of the display. The dedicated button allowsthe player to present the “Blazing 7s” game 18 on the left side of thedisplay 14, and the “Black & White 7s” game 16 is shown on the left sideof the display. The ability to swap the display of the games allows theplayers to configure the game according to their preferences.

In yet another embodiment, a cellular phone or other input device (e.g.,PDA), separate and apart, from the gaming machine 10 may also be used toinput various player choices and information to enhance the player'sinteractive experience with the gaming machine. In this embodiment, thegaming machine 10 also includes a IR sensor, RF sensor, BLUETOOTHreceiver, or other means for receiving input from a cellular phone orother wireless input devices. Furthermore, inputting information viathese devices provides an added level of security as any key presses maybe hidden from view. In yet another embodiment, a player may call orsend a text message or a short message service (SMS) to the gamingmachine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a ticketreader/ticket printer slot 38 that is associated with a cashless gamingsystem (not shown). According to one embodiment, the slot 38 is used forthe ticket reader and ticket printer. Accordingly, the same slot 38 maybe used to insert and/or issue a ticket. However, in alternateembodiments, separate slots (not shown) may be provided for the ticketacceptor and the ticket printer. In one embodiment, the ticket reader(not shown) of the cashless gaming system is capable of acceptingpreviously printed vouchers, paper currency, promotional coupons, or thelike. The ticket printer (not shown) of the cashless gaming systemgenerates vouchers having printed information that includes, but is notlimited to, the value of the voucher (i.e., cash-out amount) and abarcode that identifies the voucher. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,the slot 38 may generate tickets for both games. The tickets may includeadditional identifiers (e.g., name of the game) to distinguish thetickets for each player. Alternatively, the gaming machine (not shown)includes a separate ticket reader/ticket printer slot for each game.

Additionally, the gaming machine 10 is in communication with a playertracking system (not shown). The player tracking system allows a casinoto monitor the gaming activities of various players. The player trackingsystem typically includes a database of all qualified players (i.e.,those players who have enrolled in a player rating or point accruingprogram). Generally, the database for the player tracking system isseparate from the gaming machines. Additionally, the player trackingsystem is able to store data relating to a player's gaming habits aswell as the player's preferences for gaming machine configuration. Thatis, a player can accrue player points that depend upon the amount andfrequency of their wagers. Casinos can use these player points tocompensate the loyal patronage of players. For example, casinos mayaward or “comp” a player free meals, room accommodations, tickets toshows, and invitations to casino events and promotional affairs.

The player tracking system is operatively connected to one or more inputcomponents on the gaming machine 10. These input components include, butare not limited to, a player card slots 32, 34 for receiving a playertracking card, a keypad or equivalent, and a display 36. As shown inFIG. 1, the gaming machine includes two player card slots 32, 34 foreach independent game. Accordingly, the gaming activity of one or bothplayers may be tracked. Alternatively, the gaming machine (not shown)only includes a single player tracking slot or no slot at all. If thegaming machine only has one player card slot (or if the gaming machinedoes not include a player card slot), the players may input playeridentification via a touch screen, keypad, or other input mechanismsthat are associated with the player tracking system in lieu of insertinga player tracking card.

In another embodiment, the gaming machines 10 include an internetconnection or other known network connections to link one or more gamingmachines together. According to one embodiment, the internet connectionis used for web browsing, prize redemption, or access to other gaming ornon-gaming information. Additionally, with the various gaming machinesin communication with one another (or a system host), the gamingmachines 10 may participate in a gaming tournament. In one embodiment,the gaming tournament is a competitive gaming tournament having one ormore winners. Alternatively, the gaming tournament is a cooperativegaming tournament where all eligible gaming machines win a particularaward.

The main cabinet 12 of the gaming machine 10 also houses a CPU,circuitry, and software for receiving signals from the player-activatedbuttons 20 and one or more handles 30, operating the games, andtransmitting signals to the game display and speakers. In oneembodiment, the gaming machine uses one CPU (and related components) tooperate both games 16, 18. Alternatively, each independent game 16, 18on the gaming machine 10 has a dedicated processor (and relatedcomponents) for operating each independent game. In another embodiment,each game 16, 18 and the bonus game are operated by separate processorsthat are in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment,the games 16, 18 are operated remotely via one or more servers.

According to one embodiment, each separate and independent game 16, 18includes separate gaming meters. That is, each game 16, 18 is recognizedby a casino management system as a separate and independent game.Although the games are presented in the same gaming machine, the gamesare independent from one another and the meter values are not combinedfor regulatory or player tracking purposes. Accordingly, gaming metervalues related to coin in, wager amounts, wager frequency, awardamounts, size of awards are independently tracked by the backend systemby separate meters. However, in one embodiment, players may share thecredits inputted or the winnings from either game, but each game stillhas its own set of gaming meters for tracking and regulatory purposes.

In various embodiments, one or more game programs may be stored in amemory (not shown) comprising a read only memory (ROM), volatile ornon-volatile random access memory (RAM), a hard drive or flash memorydevice or any of several alternative types of single or multiple memorydevices or structures. Optionally, the gaming machines 10 includes oneor more data repositories for storing data. Examples of informationstored by the gaming machines 10 include, but are not limited to,accounting data, maintenance history information, short and/or long-termplay data, real-time play data, and sound data. In one embodiment, thedata repository also stores display content configurations for variousgames and gaming machines.

In FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a top box 18 and a maincabinet 12. According to one embodiment, the top box 18 is a separateand distinct component that is affixed to the main cabinet 12. Inanother embodiment, the top box 18 is an area that is partitioned fromthe main cabinet 12. Alternatively, the top box 18 and the main cabinet12 may be contiguous areas with the outward appearance of two distinctcomponents. The top box 18 may include a secondary display fordisplaying game information (e.g., name of the game, animation, one ormore pay tables, game information, one or more help menus, progressivejackpot or game information, tournament game information, or anycombination thereof) or non-game related information (e.g., news,advertisements, messages, promotions, or any combination thereof). Inone embodiment, the secondary display presents a secondary game such as,but not limited to, a bonus game, progressive game, or a continuationgame of the primary game. In yet another embodiment, the top box 18 alsoincludes a display glass that includes the name of the game, artwork,game instructions, pay table, or other information relating to one ormore games presented on the gaming machine 10.

FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate screenshots of one embodiment of a gaming devicepresenting two independent games that are playable simultaneously by oneor two players. FIG. 7A illustrates a screenshot of two independentfive-reel games 16, 18. On the top of the screen is the title of thegame (e.g., “Black and White 7s” and “Blazing 7s”). Optionally, as shownin FIG. 7A, each game has dedicated touchscreen buttons 20, 22 anddashboard display 56. The dashboard display 56 may present informationsuch as, but not limited to, amount of paid for win, credits (cash)remaining, number of lines played, bet per line, total bet for a game,and an information field.

FIG. 7B illustrates a screenshot as the reels spin on a player selectedgame 16 while the game 18 on the right of the screen remains inactive.FIG. 7C illustrates an exemplary screenshot once the reels have come toa stop. FIG. 7C also shows one embodiment of a game indicia 58 (i.e.,“VS” symbol) that triggers a tournament game. FIG. 7D is a screenshot ofthe start of the tournament game where the reels on both games begin tospin. In one embodiment, winning game outcomes during the tournamentmode are awarded points and not credits. As shown in FIG. 7D, a statusgraphic 60 appears above the reels to display the progress of eachplayer and their relative position to each other and the goal/finish ofthe game. Each player is designated as a icon (e.g., rabbit or turtle).Additionally, a message 62 is also presented to the players notifyingthe players of the first place award (e.g., first to the finish linewins 25× total bet). In alternate embodiments, the display 14 may notinclude a status graphic. Rather, the status graphic 60 may be presentedon a separate display (not shown) on the gaming machine. Optionally, thevarious embodiments, sound effects or audio may also be presented duringthe tournament game. For example, audio of announcer giving“play-by-play” of game progress and/or color commentary may also bepresented during the tournament game.

FIGS. 7E-7F are exemplary screenshots at the conclusion of thetournament game. In FIG. 7E, the status graphic 60 shows the playerrepresented by the rabbit finishing prior to the player presented by theturtle. Additionally, the reels in both games 16, 18 have also stoppedmoving. In FIG. 7F, the award won for each player is shown on therespective portion of the game display 14 for each game 16, 18. After apredetermined period of time, the display 14 returns to the primary gameformat as shown in FIG. 7A.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all gamingmachines have all these components and may have other components inaddition to, or in lieu of, those components mentioned here.Furthermore, while these components are viewed and described separately,various components may be integrated into a single unit in someembodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a casino gaming system 100 is illustrated. Thecasino gaming system 100 comprises one or more gaming machines 10. Invarious embodiments, any of the gaming machines 10 may be any type ofelectronic or mechanical gaming devices, such as, but not limited to, amechanical reel spinning slot machine, video slot machine, video pokermachine, keno machine, video blackjack machine, or a gaming machineoffering one or more of the above-described games. Examples include, butare not limited to, the S6000 mechanical reel spinner and the Alphavideo slot machine from Bally Gaming, Inc. The gaming machines 10, 20illustrated in FIG. 8 act as terminals for interacting with a playerplaying a casino game. Networking components facilitate communicationsbetween the system server 112 and game management units 126 that controldisplays for carousels of gaming machines 10 across a network. Gamemanagement units (GMU's) 126 connect gaming machines to networkingcomponents and may be installed in the gaming machine cabinet orexternal to the gaming machine 10. The function of the GMU 126 issimilar to the function of a network interface card connected to adesktop personal computer (PC). Some GMU's 126 have much greatercapability and can perform such tasks as presenting and playing a gameusing a display (not shown) operatively connected to the GMU 126. In oneembodiment, the GMU 126 is a separate component located outside thegaming machine 10. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the GMU 126 islocated within the gaming machine 10. Optionally, in an alternativeembodiment, one or more gaming machines 10 connect directly to a networkand are not connected to a GMU 126.

The gaming machines 10 are connected via a network to a network bridge120, which is used for networking, routing and polling gaming machines,including slot machines. The network bridge 120 connects to a back endsystem 112. Optionally, the gaming machines 10 may connect to thenetwork via a network rack 122, which provides for a few number ofconnections to the back end system 112. Both network bridge 120 andnetwork rack 122 may be classified as middleware, and facilitatecommunications between the back end system 112 and the game managementunits 126. The network bridges 120 and network rack 122 may comprisedata repositories for storing network performance data. Such performancedata may be based on network traffic and other network relatedinformation. Optionally, the network bridge 120 and the network rack 122may be interchangeable components. For example, in one embodiment, acasino gaming system may comprise only network bridges and no networkracks. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a casino gaming system maycomprise only network racks and no network bridges. Additionally, in analternative embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise anycombination of one or more network bridges and one or more networkracks.

The back end system 112 may be configured to comprise one or moreservers. The type of server employed is generally determined by theplatform and software requirements of the gaming system. In oneembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the back end system 112 isconfigured to include three servers: a slot floor controller 114, acasino management server 116 and a casino database 118. The slot floorcontroller 114 is a part of the player tracking system for gatheringaccounting, security and player specific information. The casinomanagement server 116 and casino database 118 work together to store andprocess information specific to both employees and players. Playerspecific information includes, but is not limited to, passwords,biometric identification, player card identification, and biographicdata. Additionally, employee specification information may includebiographic data, biometric information, job level and rank, passwords,authorization codes and security clearance levels.

Overall, the back end system 112 performs several functions. Forexample, the back end system 112 can collect data from the slot floor ascommunicated to it from other network components, and maintain thecollected data in its database. The back end system 112 may use slotfloor data to generate a report used in casino operation functions.Examples of such reports include, but are not limited to, accountingreports, security reports, and usage reports. The back end system 112may also pass data to another server for other functions. Alternatively,the back end system 112 may pass data stored on its database to floorhardware for interaction with a game or game player. For example, datasuch as a game player's name or the amount of a ticket being redeemed ata game may be passed to the floor hardware. Additionally, the back endsystem 112 may comprise one or more data repositories for storing data.Examples of types of data stored in the system server data repositoriesinclude, but are not limited to, information relating to individualplayer play data, individual game accounting data, gaming machineaccounting data, cashable ticket data, sound data, and optimal displayconfigurations for one or more displays for one or more system game.

Of course, one will appreciate that a gaming system 100 may alsocomprise other types of components, and the above illustrations aremeant only as examples and not as limitations to the types of componentsor games used in a casino gaming system having a displays capable ofinterchanging display content.

In addition to gaming machines and gaming systems, various methods foroperating a gaming machine having two separate independent games thattrigger a bonus game are disclosed herein. Generally, a single playerselects one or both of the primary games for play. Alternatively, twoplayers are able to play both primary games sequentially,simultaneously, or approximately simultaneously. If a trigger eventoccurs in either of the primary games, a bonus game is triggered. Thebonus game may be a tournament game, a second-chance game, a single play(or limited play) bonus game, or a community game. At the end of thebonus game, the player or players may or may not win a prize.

FIG. 9 illustrates one method of operating a gaming machine capable ofsimultaneously presenting two independent games for play. At step 200,the gaming machine receives credits from a player or players. Thecredits may be in the form of a cash, cashless voucher, promotionalcredits, electronic fund transfers, or any other form of credit. In onemethod, the gaming machine queries the player(s) if there is one or twoplayers at step 202. Alternatively, the gaming machine does not querythe player but rather receives player input that initiates game play forone or both games. If the gaming machine receives player input that onlyone player is playing the machine at step 202, the gaming machinedetermines whether there is sufficient credits for a maximum wager bythe player at step 204. If the gaming machine determines that the playerdoes not have enough credits for a maximum wager at step 204, the gamingmachine does not activate the maximum wager button. If the gamingmachine determines that the player has a sufficient number of credits atstep 204, the gaming machine activates the maximum wager button. At thispoint, the gaming machine may activate one game or both games dependingupon the player's input.

At step 206, the gaming machine initiates the player-selected game if asingle player does not make a maximum wager. The selected game is basedupon player input starting one of the games (e.g., pressing spin or dealbutton). Alternatively, the gaming machine initiates both games if themaximum wager button is actuated by the player at step 208. At step 210,the gaming machine determines whether a triggering event has beenestablished. According to one embodiment, a triggering event is aparticular indicia appearing on an active pay line. Alternatively, thetriggering event is a particular game outcome, combination of gameindicia, game score, or any other game outcome including both winningand losing game outcomes. For example, the triggering event may be asymbol combination of “cherry-cherry-cherry” for a slots-type game. In apoker game, the triggering event may be a pair of jacks or better. Inother embodiments, the triggering event may be any winning outcomehaving a low or high probability.

Alternatively, the triggering event is a game-generated orsystem-generated response such as, but not limited to, a message fromanother networked gaming machine or a message from a system host. Forexample, the message is a tournament-initiating message (e.g.,tournament is starting or player is eligible to play in the tournament)or a system-initiated bonus game message (e.g., bonus game is startingor player is eligible for the bonus game). The triggering events alsomay be based upon player activity/actions. For example, the triggeringevent may be based upon player performance such as, but not limited to,inserting a player tracking card into the gaming machine, time of play,frequency of play (i.e., number of games played in a particular periodof time), number of maximum bets, number of player points earned, or acombination thereof.

If the gaming machine determines that a trigger event has not beenestablished, the game ends at step 212. Alternatively, the gamingmachine initiates a tournament game on both games at step 214 when atriggering event has been established. When a single player is playingonly one primary game, the player plays one tournament game, and thegaming machine plays the tournament game in the inactive game. Theplayer is able to control the rate of play for one game whereas theinactive rate of play for the game is controlled by the gaming machine.In various embodiments, the rate of play for the computer-controlledgame is a pre-established rate (e.g., game is played once every fiveseconds, or a randomly selected rate prior to play (e.g., game is playedevery 3.2 seconds, or the rate of play is variable throughout thetournament (e.g., rate of play is a game every 5 seconds, then a gameevery 2 second, and then a game every 4 seconds). At the conclusion ofthe tournament game, the gaming machine determines whether the player orthe gaming machine has won the tournament at step 216. Alternatively,the tournament game ends when a particular score or goal is achieved. Atstep 218, a prize is awarded to the winner (be it the player or thegaming machine). Accordingly, in one method, if the gaming machine winsthe tournament, the player does not win a prize. In an alternate method,a consolation prize is awarded to losing party. Depending on the rulesof the tournament game, the player may win nothing, a consolation prize,or the grand prize for the tournament based upon the player's result inthe tournament game.

If a single player initiated play of both games at step 208, the gamingmachine evaluates both game to determine if there is a triggering eventat step 220. If a triggering event has not been established for eithergame, the games end at step 222. If a triggering event is established ineither or both games, a tournament game is initiated at step 224. Therate of play for both games is controlled by the player. At theconclusion the tournament game, the gaming machine determines whichplayer position has won the tournament at step 226. Alternatively, thetournament game ends when a particular score or goal is achieved. Atstep 228, a prize is awarded to the winning game since the player isplaying both games. In one method, the player wins a grand prize and theconsolation prize. In another embodiment, the player only wins a singleprize (i.e., grand prize).

In another method, two players are able to play the two games on thegaming machine (sequentially or approximately simultaneously). If atrigger event occurs in either of the primary games at step 220, a bonusgame is triggered for both the players at step 224. The bonus game maybe a single play bonus game where each player gets to play the bonusgame once. In another method, the bonus game is a second-chance gamethat allows the player the opportunity to play a portion of the primarygame again in order to improve the primary game outcome (e.g., nudge orre-spin a reel in a slots-style game or re-draw a card in a poker game).In yet another method, the bonus game is a tournament game. The playerscompete with one another to earn as many points in a given period oftime or be the first player to reach a particular goal. According to onemethod, the winning player gets a larger prize as compared to the losingplayer. For example, the winning player is issued a 25× multiplier, andthe losing player wins a 2× multiplier as shown in FIG. 7F.Alternatively, only the winning player gets a prize.

The method having two players playing both games is operated in asimilar manner to a single player playing both games. The two playersare able to play their respective game independent of the other player'sgame (e.g., start and/or stop game play independent of other player). Inone method, a trigger event in one player's game will trigger atournament game between both players. In another method, a trigger eventwould need to occur in both games in order to trigger the tournamentgame. When the tournament game is triggered, the gaming machine isreconfigured to issue points for winning outcomes as opposed to credits.In either method, the two players would compete against one anotherduring play of the tournament game. Accordingly, players with the mostpoints at the end of the tournament game (or is first to reach atournament goal) is the winner of the tournament.

In addition to various methods for operating a gaming machine having twoseparate independent games that trigger a bonus game, variouscharacteristics of the game are customizable according to a player'spreferences. These preferences may be saved onto a player tracking cardor a player account that is stored on a back end system. The propertiesof the game that may be customized include the speed of game play,preferred wager denominations, preferred number of default paylines toplay for a given spin, layout of the game display, font size on thedisplay screen, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the game maybe configured to the player according to player characteristics. Forexample, a player is awarded one or more bonus rounds on special dates(e.g., birthday, wedding anniversary, membership milestones (e.g.,player club member for one year)) or during promotional periods orduring one or more holidays, or being a member of a particularconvention or tour group. In another embodiment, the paytable for thegame is configured to a particular player club level (e.g., Silver,Gold, and Platinum paytables).

Additionally, the gaming machine may be configured to allow the playerto choose the games presented on the gaming machine. In one embodiment,the player is able to select the game to be played from a list of gamesstored on the gaming machine. In another embodiment, the player selectsa game, and the game is downloaded from the backend system. If the twoplayers are playing different primary games (e.g., poker and blackjack),the gaming machine may revert back to the default game for the bonusgame or tournament game (e.g., slots-style game). In another embodiment,the player-selected games are used to play the bonus game or tournamentgame.

Another property of the game that may be configured by the player is themanagement of gaming credits. In a default mode, each individual playeronly plays with their own money. Alternatively, the player(s) may electto pool their respective credits together for play on the gamingmachine. Accordingly, each player may play their respective games usingthe credits from the pooled credits from both players. The players mayalso define how many credits each player is entitled to use from thepool. For example, the player one may only be allowed to play $20 worthof credits whereas player two is limited to play $50 worth of credits.

Additionally, the players may be establish the rules regarding theapportioning of winning credits are apportioned. For example, in adefault mode, any winning credits from either player is contributed tothe pool. In another embodiment, the players may define that apercentage of any winning outcome is only contributed to the pool (e.g.,25% of a win). Accordingly, the gaming machine has meters to keep trackof each individual player's credits as well as pooled credits. In yetanother embodiment, a player may elect to transfer gaming credits to theother player on the gaming machine.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed games are configured forcommunity play. Community play is a plurality of players playing thegame toward a common goal or in competition with one another. Forexample, players playing the games may collectively attempt to collect asufficient number of play points to qualify for the bonus round.Alternatively, all the active players are awarded a bonus round when asingle player achieves a sufficient number of play points. That is, asingle player may trigger a bonus round for all the active players. Inanother embodiment, the players are all competing to achieve aparticular trigger event for the bonus round (e.g., the fastest playerto achieve a predetermined number of play points wins one or more bonusrounds). In yet another embodiment, the game is configured fortournament play. Accordingly, a single player on the gaming machine ortwo players on a single gaming machine plays the tournament game andcompetes with other players on similar gaming machines, and the player(or players) that achieves the highest score (or earns the most credits)is the winner of the tournament.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimedinvention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made to the claimed inventionwithout following the example embodiments and applications illustratedand described herein, and without departing from the true spirit andscope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A method for presenting a game, the method comprising: receivingplayer credits on a gaming machine that simultaneously presents a firstgame that is independent from a second game on a main display of thegaming machine, and wherein the first game and the second game areplayable at the same time by one or two players; initiating aplayer-selected game; determining whether a triggering event has beenestablished; initiating play of a tournament game on the main display inresponse to the triggering event, wherein the tournament game has ahead-to-head tournament mode for two players and a single playertournament mode for a single player; awarding a prize to a winner of thetournament game.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the trigger event isa winning outcome, a randomly selected game outcome, a specialized bonussymbol, a predetermined number of maximum wagers, a predetermined numberof paylines played, a player card level, time of play, frequency ofplay, or a combination thereof.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereininitiating play of the tournament game further comprises reconfiguringthe first and second games into the head-to-head tournament mode or thesingle player tournament mode.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising receiving player input controlling rate of play of one gameduring play of the tournament game.
 5. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising playing the non-player controlled game at a predeterminedrate of play.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising awarding aconsolation prize at the conclusion of the tournament game.
 7. A methodfor presenting a game, the method comprising: receiving player creditson a gaming machine that simultaneously presents a first game that isindependent from a second game on a main display of the gaming machine;simultaneously initiating the first game and the second game in responseto a maximum wager; determining whether a triggering event has beenestablished in the first game or the second game; initiating play of atournament game on the main display in response to the trigger eventoccurring during play of first game and the second game; and awarding aprize to a winner of the tournament game.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the trigger event is a winning outcome, a randomly selected gameoutcome, a specialized bonus symbol, a predetermined number of maximumwagers, a predetermined number of paylines played, a player card level,time of play, frequency of play, or a combination thereof.
 9. The methodof claim 7, wherein initiating play of the tournament game furthercomprises reconfiguring the gaming machine for a single playertournament game, wherein the player competes against a computer duringplay of the tournament game.
 10. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising receiving player input controlling rate of play of the firstand second games during play of the tournament game.
 11. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising awarding a consolation prize at theconclusion of the tournament game.
 12. A method for presenting a game,the method comprising: receiving player credits on a gaming machinesimultaneously presenting a first game that is independent from a secondgame on a main display of the gaming machine; initiating the first gamein response to player input from a first player; initiating the secondgame in response to player input from a second player; determiningwhether a triggering event has been established in the first game or thesecond game; initiating play of a tournament game on the first game andthe second game in response to the trigger event; and awarding a prizeto a winner of the tournament game.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe trigger event is a winning outcome, a randomly selected gameoutcome, a specialized bonus symbol, a predetermined number of maximumwagers, a predetermined number of paylines, a player card level, time ofplay, frequency of play, or a combination thereof.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein initiating play of the tournament game furthercomprises reconfiguring the first and second games into a head-to-headtournament game mode.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising:receiving player input from the first player controlling rate of play ofthe first game during the tournament game; and receiving player inputfrom the second player controlling rate of play of the second gamesduring the tournament game.
 16. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising awarding a consolation prize at the conclusion of thetournament game.